1.22.2013

{what to wear} under the weather wardrobe

“I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
Fannie Lou Hamer


I really can’t say that I blame you. In fact, I’m sure I would feel the same way if I found myself in your current situation. It is completely understandable that when you’re feeling under the weather you want nothing more than to collapse into a heap in your rattiest pair of pajamas, tuck yourself under a fluffy comforter for optimal warmth, and surround yourself with boxes of tissues, colorful macarons, and a stack of glossy fashion magazines that will see you through the sniffles in true sickly style. Unfortunately, harsh and hectic schedules do not always allow for such luxuries.

One cannot hide away from the world catering to a minute cold by spending the day in hibernation; at the same time you do not want to frighten random passersby with garish garb or red-rimmed eyes courtesy of a pesky ailment that has deemed it appropriate to plague you. It is at this particular time that you must embrace effortlessness.

Attempting to fool the world by trying to conceal your feverish condition via blazingly colored clothing and ravishing red lips is often the quickest way to signify that you are, in fact, unwell. By retaining an understated, natural, effortless glamour about your person, your look screams bright-eyed and bushy-tailed – exactly what you want.

As with everything, however, creating an uncomplicated presence is not as simple as slithering out of bed and scampering out the door. It takes time and planning to get that offhand appearance; whilst staying true to the number one style rule of being sick: maintaining comfort. To put it bluntly, if you are unable to cozy up in your clothes, be it on your BFF’s couch or in your own private boudoir, then your frail form is accoutered incorrectly. As long as you keep this maxim in mind, of course, you are well on your way to looking stylish when sick!


{the slouch effect} Fitted frocks and tops are one of the most magnificent ways to highlight your curves and show off your figure; but when the flu bug bites the absolute last thing you want is to feel confined in your clothing. At times like this drapey duds become a classy comrade which ensure that you maintain complete blissful elegance without forsaking your trademark sassy style.

Tunics, short dresses, and billowy blouses are essentials for your I-don’t-want-to-get-out-of-bed wardrobe. The loose fit makes getting from here to there more comfortable in your suffering state; while retaining a bohemian-inspired ambiance that makes your appearance very nonchalant and indifferent – two temperaments that only work to make you more irresistible to cute boys!

“‘Tis healthy to be sick sometimes.”
Henry David Thoreau

Search for styles with slight embellishments like a knotted bust line {a la Velvet's Tempest Cowl Neck Top}; empire waists which flutter and flow about your form in a haphazard yet heavenly fashion {Free People's Willow Glen Top} is decadent; or cuts with versatility which make it simple to switch up your look in seconds {I'm partial to Victoria's Secret's Multi-Way Tunic Sweater}. Pieces like this stand the test of time and never fail in making one look chicregardless of how miserable you may currently feel!

legwear

{the tight stuff} We spend countless hours per week striving to tone our thighs and gluteus maximus muscles in a fashion that will keep our bodies tight, fit, and capable of donning any type of legwear that piques our interest; therefore it is only fair that, as the fashionistas we are, we peruse opaque tights, pretty patterns, and luscious leggings at a time when we need a bit of bottom half bliss. And that, dolls, is when we are feeling downright debilitated!

Denim is spectacular when we’re feeling energized, revitalized, and hotter than a firecracker sizzling in Times Square on New Year’s Eve; when you’re feeling unfabulous, however, they take on the role of the devil. The 7 For All Mankind skinny jeans that once made us feel fantastic now make us feel frumpy; the Joe's Jeans boot cut jeans that made you feel beautiful yesterday have turned beastly and now make you feel bloated; the Rag & Bone/JEAN moto jeans that looked marvelous in the dressing room mirror just last week have become malicious by making you look massive. By all means, do not toss these items into the garbage no matter how much your last dose of NyQuil tempts you to do so; simply set them aside for another day. One needs resilience, buoyancy, and flexibility when they are weak; thus, ditch the denim during this delicate time and embrace styles with stretch!

“If you treat a sick child like an adult and a sick adult like a child, everything usually works out pretty well.”
Ruth Carlisle

Slip a pair of SPANX's Tight End Tights on under a tunic that covers your tush for a cozy effect that tantalizes; show a playful sliver of skin via Only Hearts Geometric Lace Leggings – the perfect pairing for your feisty frock; or mimic the denim look with DL1961's Emma Legging Jeans. Keeping your legs covered when you’re tormented by the chills is a complete necessity in your quest to get well soon; yet harbors the ability to take your look du jour to new heights - ergo, let your bubbly, effervescent personality shine through and have fun with your legwear!


{shoe snob} Slippers may be whispering sweet nothings in your ear at this very moment; but please do not make the mistake of traipsing out of doors with nothing but these accoutering your feverish feet! Around the house slippers are absolutely fantastic at ensuring your toes stay toasty; but their scant fibers do not hold the same power once worn out of the confines of your cozy abode and onto the chilly concrete that is omnipresent in the big, bad outside world. Not to mention, they also make one feel completely dumpy at a time when what you truly need is a kick of desirability. For this reason alone, slide those shabby slippers underneath your bed and stuff your tootsies into something a little more stunning!

Levende Waters once said “Funny that a pair of really nice shoes makes us feel good in our heads – at the extreme opposite end of our bodies.” Such words are completely true. Fabulous footwear has the ability to transform one from the inside out. They add that special je ne sais quoi to your look; whilst boosting your confidence at the very same moment. Of course, when sick, it is your mission to keep your feet looking chic yet feeling contented all at once. Blissful booties and out-of-this-world Oxfords satisfy both of these prerequisites.

“It is better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick.”
Dave Barry

Oxfords and booties possess a type of hoity-toity class that makes it possible for you to induce stares with your style, despite the fact that you are sick as a dog. The aesthetic of both is very highfalutin and fun; yet proffers an air of elegance that streamlines your silhouette, and pulls your entire appearance together with a seductive smirk to the world.

You may adore stilettos; but now is not the time to don such killer shoes. When one is feeling under the weather, their balance is not at its best; therefore, stick to oxford flats like 3.1 Phillip Lim's Nancy Flat Oxfords. The old-fashioned styling contributes a touch of retro glamour to your dress, while adding a snazzy shape to your overall look. If you absolutely must have an extra hint of height, look for well-shaped wedges {I love the ferocity of Messeca New York's Studded Suede Wedge Booties} or chunky heels {like Rachel Zoe's London Platform Booties}. These two designs will give you the lift that you’re looking for without surrendering satisfaction!


{a jumble of jewels} Anyone who told you that accessories were unnecessary at a time when you are unhealthy was sadly mistaken! A splash of sparkle makes everything better, including a runny nose or aching bones. On that account, go wild! Raid your grandmother’s jewelry box for vintage finds of the pearl variety; beg your BFF for permission to play dress-up with her diamonds and rhinestones; and, most importantly, dig through your own bureau for baubles that will make you twinkle, shimmer, and glitter like the gorgeous creature you are!

“A healthy body is a guest chamber for the soul: a sick body is a prison.”
Francis Bacon Sr.

Bigger is most definitely better in terms of jewelry when you’re feeling less than fabulous. The bedazzling brightness of such pieces detracts attention from your pasty pallor; whilst shedding a bit of light upon your good taste in trinkets. Oversized cocktail rings like Rebecca Minkoff's Pave ID Ring and Made Her Think's Smashed Talong Ring are a must. Their design is over-the-top and ostentatious allowing them to flirt coquettishly and play a subtle game of hanky-panky with anyone who dares glance in their direction; while ornamenting your frail fingers in true high-fashion!

{looks for those feeling lousy} I realize that you are suffering at the moment. That your mind and body feels weak. Please do not let this get you down. I would never leave the side of an ailing friend; therefore, I have put together full ensembles with you, my bedridden besties, in mind. Simply choose the style you want to rock for the day and slip it on for optimal sassiness that will have you feeling better in no time!


Outfit no. 1 A slouchy, pale gray off-the-shoulder top layered over a lace camisole {allow it to peek out if you’d like}, black leggings, Oxford flats, a handful of your favorite chunky bangles, and a long necklace or two.
Outfit no. 2 A loose-fitting black mini dress that falls just below the derriere, patterned or lace tights to add texture to your lower half, wedge booties, and massive rings.
Outfit no. 3 An empire-waist top in a neutral tone, denim leggings, black or gray booties with a chunky heel, and an erratic assortment of rings, bracelets, and necklaces.

“I could have another moan but I’m sick to death of my own whining.”
Steve Bruce

xoxox

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29 comments

ellie said...

Definitely a post I needed this morning. I so do not want to go anywhere. We've been dumped with snow! & its very cold. I'm reaching for my tights right now.

ivy's closet said...

Love this. Leggings are a must. Love the slouchy sweaters too.

lucy and sarah said...

Such a great way to start the week. It really is a time of year I want to hibernate.

Unknown said...

I loved this post so much, and your timing is just perfect for this kind of topic :) You should be writing for a fashion magazine, your articles are smart, well written and humorous :) Love, love!

Caitlin and Megan said...

So good to see this. I'm dreading work today.

knockingonfashionsdoor said...

A lot of very good advices. Just what I need, after snowing all night & day long, and feeling like a prisoner at home. Thank you dear!!

life is style said...

so great :)

cindy Whitehead said...

Good reminder that when you feel lousy sometimes looking good does help!! (-:

Unknown said...

Ahh this post is so necessary for so many people this week! Love the tips xo

www.janetteria.com said...

Love those boots...awhhh!

Couture Carrie said...

Amazing post, darling!
Especially loving all those rings!

xoxox,
CC

Mama Fashionista said...

My whole house is sick, so this post is right on time! I wish I could muster up the energy to look halfway decent when I'm not feeling well, but I usually skew in the opposite direction... It is so good to see this much writing from you! I love your voice! XxO...

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

wow- what a thorough post! And so fun to read. While it is harder than hard to get me even remotely out of my sweats when I am sick- you give great options here for when you have no other choice.

Eleanor @ Sequins & Sass said...

If I MUST go out in public while sick, I have to psych myself up for at least an hour before getting dressed by telling myself continuously that if I LOOK better, I will FEEL better. And usually it works :) Fantastic picks.. loving this post!

xx, Eleanor

Natasha Gregson said...

Such a great post, I wish I could look stylish all the time but the truth is if I'm feeling ill I usually just surrender to pajamas :)

www.ngofficial.blogspot.co.uk

<3

Sara said...

Haha! I loved reading this! I tend to do the opposite, wear ratty jeans and hoodies, which in the end, make you feel worse! Love the tips!

Thanks for your tip on the nails too! I bought a stick, but I also bought oil because I was not sure what to do. Oil it is! I also bought basecoat, :D the things you learn, lol.

Lisa Lisa Lisa said...

I must say, today I am experiencing that tell tale tickle in my throat... And I am SO tempted to huddle in only the coziest of my wardrobe.. Not certainly not the most... flattering!
Thanks for the inspiration!

Josie said...

Chunky sweaters, leggings, and boots -- comfortable, warm, and still cute!
xo Josie
www.winksmilestyle.com

Why Girls Are Weird said...

One of my new fav outfits is a chunky sweater and leggings! So comfy!

k said...

the slouch effect is my staple :)

Sherin said...

Love this post! Definitely going to take some of these tips next time I'm feeling under the weather.

Midnight Cowgirl said...

There's nothing like a great pair of shoes to make a person feel better :)

MOSAMUSE said...

wow... great post!! love the first image
xo
MOSAMUSE

www.MOSAMUSE.com

Elly @ Caribbean Living said...

Love this post Erika, such great ideas and tips! I agree especially with the slouchy tops and jewellery points, lovely!

I am happy to say I'm feeling tiptop today but will definitely be archiving this for when a cold hits.

J. said...

Great post! I'm suffering from allergies in the worst way and the last thing I want to think about is what to wear, (I'd rather be sleeping!) Great easy looks!

Natalia | Look-A-Porter said...

Wonderful post, although I must admit, I find snowy weather inspiring when it comes to dressing up - I feel very happy when it snows. :)
x

Style, via Tia said...

Great Post!

Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said...

Oh my favorite is the slouchy sweater!

Unknown said...

Oh thank you so much darling :)
It means a lot to me !

Http://Fashioneiric.Blogspot.Com

Coline !

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